A bizarre and sophisticated dating scam involving a 14-man fraud gang has sparked disbelief and amusement on mainland social media.
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The elaborate scheme came to light after the male victim surnamed Wang, from Zibo in Shandong province, northern China, reported to police that he had been defrauded out of 4,000 yuan (US$550) by his “girlfriend”, surnamed Sheng.
Wang had met Sheng through a gaming and entertainment app, where her profile featured a sweet-looking young woman.
Sheng showed her care and concern, and the two quickly developed an online relationship.
Over several months, their digital romance flourished, with Sheng frequently sending flirtatious messages and requesting “red envelopes” in symbolic amounts such as 1,314 yuan (US$180), 521 yuan and 520 yuan.
Such numbers represent “a lifetime” and “I love you” in Chinese.
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Later, Sheng came up with other excuses to get cash.
She claimed she needed help with rent or money for medicine.